The Controversy Surrounding Female Circumcision

The meaning of female circumcision varies between cultures and regional areas. A rite of passage into womanhood in some cultures, in others it is believed to guard a woman’s virginity and keep her faithful to the marriage bed.

It is frequently seen, too, as a means of controlling a woman’s sexuality and protecting patriarchal dominance. There are also cultures that take this as a way to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Women Circumcision: Cultural and Social Perspectives

Cultural and Religious Significance

Women on circumcision is well rooted in tradition and is considered a vital part of a girl's upbringing in many cultures. Traditional practitioners, who are important members of the community, usually perform it.

The practice is also often associated with religious beliefs, with many communities interpreting it as a religious duty.

Social Pressure and Acceptance

In some communities, a girl's circumcision is seen as a necessary step for her to be accepted and respected by her peers and community. It is also often seen as a prerequisite for marriage, with uncircumcised women considered undesirable and unclean.

Gender Identity and Community Belonging

For some cultures, female circumcision is closely linked with concept of gender identity. The practice is thought a way to make a woman different than a man and in such cases, removing genitalia is thought to, "add" on femininity.

While offering some kind of support may feel gendered, the circumcision ceremony has the potential to be a powerful communal space, creating a powerful sense of belonging and solidarity among women.

Enhancement of Marriage Prospects

In societies where female circumcised vagina is practised, being circumcised can significantly improve a girl's prospects for marriage. The procedure is often viewed as a testament to her innocence and a guarantee of her virginity, which potential suitors and their families highly value.

Misconceptions about Health Consequences of Female Circumcision

There are also several misconceptions about the health consequences of female circumcision. Some believe that it enhances fertility or prevents genital diseases. The beliefs exist alongside neither scientific evidence in support of them, nor the public health risks it poses, of course.

Effects of Female Genital Mutilation

Although female genital mutilation is a very controversial issue and has received international condemnation, for some, the practice may hold cultural and religious value. This is due to the harmful physical and psychological effects it has on girls and women.

Physical Effects

Physically, female circumcision can have immediate consequences, as well as those that manifest later on in women’s lives. The procedure is usually done without anaesthesia under unhygienic conditions with unsterilized implements which can lead to extreme pain, infection, and even death. It can also cause extreme bleeding, difficulty peeing, and complications during sex and childbirth.

In extreme cases, the procedure can lead to permanent damage to the female genitalia and women suffer life-long pain and discomfort.

Psychological Effects

The psychological effects of female circumcision can be equally damaging. The practice is often forced upon girls at a young age without their consent, which can lead to feelings of betrayal and loss of trust. Many girls also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the physical pain and emotional trauma associated with the procedure. In some cases, it can also lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Human Rights Considerations

Female circumcision is increasingly viewed as a violation of human rights. International human rights organizations argue that the practice denies women the right to bodily integrity and autonomy. It is also seen as a form of gender discrimination and child abuse when performed on minors.

Medical Community's Stance

The global medical community has taken a firm stance against female circumcision, citing the lack of medical benefits and the numerous risks involved. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies FGM as a harmful practice and has issued guidelines to healthcare providers on how to care for those who have undergone the procedure.

Cultural Relativism vs. Universal Human Rights

The debate over female circumcision often involves the tension between cultural relativism and universal human rights. While some argue that the practice should be respected as part of cultural heritage, others contend that human rights should take precedence over cultural practices that cause harm.

Efforts to Eradicate Female Circumcision

The opposition to female circumcision has gained significant momentum in recent years, with many organizations and individuals toward the elimination of female circumcision.

Education and Awareness

Another vital effort toward the elimination of female circumcision is through education and awareness. Many organizations and advocacy groups are working to educate communities about the harmful effects of the practice and promote alternative ways of celebrating a girl's transition to womanhood. They also work to raise awareness about the legal consequences of the practice and provide support and resources for girls and women who have undergone the procedure.

Empowering Women and Girls

One of the last essential components in the struggle to end female circumcision is the empowerment of women and girls. If the women and girls are afforded education, economic opportunities, and support to become resources of change in their communities. It can also contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and gender inequality that often sustains it.

International Cooperation and Aid

International cooperation plays a pivotal role in the fight against FGM. Aid organizations and foreign governments are increasingly tying development aid to the improvement of women's rights, including the elimination of female circumcision.

Grassroots Movements

Grassroots movements spearheaded by survivors of FGM and local activists have played a groundbreaking role in transforming attitudes inside the communities. Such movements build on education that is directed by the community, with an emphasis on empowerment for those impacted most significantly by the work.

Support Services for Survivors

It is also important to provide support services to survivors of female circumcision. This should encompass medical care, psychological counselling, and legal support. In addition to helping survivors recover, such services also educate the public about how serious the health consequences of female circumcision are.

Prevalence of Female Circumcision

In some countries and communities, the rates are much higher. This means that despite efforts to stamp out this practice, it persists due to entrenched cultural, social and religious beliefs. Prevalence data is also critical for the design of targeted intervention programs.

Conclusion

Female circumcision is a sectarian tradition associated with several ethnic groups and its adverse effects on the girls were well known and they results in a social controversy.

Though it has some value in the context of religion and culture, it is against the human rights law and is also a form of gender-based violence. Your work to eradicate this practice is critically important, and helps promote gender equality, protect girls and women's health and well-being, and enable a safer and more just world for all.

Frequently Asked Questions